dunes Noord Holland


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                                                The dunes of Noord Holland  

The dunes are one kilometer from our house. When I dig to the deepth of 1 meter in the garden, I get sand. In the years we lived here, the soil has been improved by adding compost, But it is still light soil.. 

History.

The dunes in the Netherlands are much younger than, for example, the river dunes.  20.000 years ago the North Sea did not exist yet. There was a dry inhabited area. About 10.000 years ago during a climate change the sea level began to rise.  About 8000 years ago the Dutch coastline was established. There were also large fen areas. 

The ancient dunes and sandy beaches were formed 3000 v AD - 1000 AD. 
The younger dunes and beaches were formed from the 12th century AD.
The dunes were formed of course by the winds along the sand. They were stabilized by vegetation, like sand couch (Elytrigia juncea subsp. boreoatlantica) and European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria). Later by common juniper (juniperus communis) and sea-buckthorns (Hippophae rhamnoides). The common juniper is disappeared in the dunes. In some parts are forests now.
From 1400 - 1600 there was much wind. The ancient dunes were covered by new sand.

South of Bergen lime-loving plants grow in calcium-rich sand. The sand (blown from the sandbanks) is from different areas. That's why the sand is not sometimes deficient in lime. 
Deficient in lime near the village Schoorl: heather (Calluna vulgaris), creeping willow (Salix repens) 
Calcium-rich: sweet briar or eglantine rose (Rosa rubiginosa, Rosa eglanteria), sea-buckthorns (Hippophae rhamnoides), wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) en elderberry (Sambucus).

The area between Bergen and Bergen aan Zee. 16-11-2008... dunes 16-11-08. dunes 16-11-08. dunes 16-11-08               
The area between Bergen and Bergen aan Zee. 16-11-2008                 
Near the sea Bergen aan Zee direction Egmond. 23-03-2008... dunes-strand.jpg (85678 bytes). dunes 23-3-08. dunes 23-3-08. dunes 23-3-08)                
Near the sea Bergen aan Zee direction Egmond. 23-03-2008               

 

De slufter - Texel

The dunes of Texel I also visit regularly. However, usually with many children and then you don't have much time to study nature.
The Slufter always makes the biggest impression. I enjoy this area. It is located in the north of Texel.
During a heavy storm in 1851 the dunes broke at different places. (including the Krim and the Muy) The closing of the Slufter failed.
Now everybody is happy with the Slufter.
At high tide seawater streams into the Slufter through creeks and at low tide it streams out again.
Because of the salty water the vegetation consists of salt tolerant plants like sea lavender (Limonium vulgare), salicornia, sea thrift (Armeria maritima) and seaside alkaligrass (Puccinellia maritima).
Furthermore, there are many birds.

In 1997 it's been tried to make a "small slufter" between Bergen and Schoorl. (De Kerf) The dunes were broken. But it wasn't a succes because the wind blow new sand in it.

The Slufter - Texel (photo 2006)

The Slufter - Texel (photo 2006)               

   

De Kerf.

 I cycled to the Kerf on April 6. It was nice weather. But unfortunately a bit foggy.

From Bergen to Schoorl. beautiful view. After the view through the forest again.               
From Bergen to Schoorl. I cycled through the forest. But there are also beautiful views. Too bad that the heath is not  flowering yet.               
A board with an explanation....       

A board with an explanation. Observation point.
         

The Kerf. There is no water.. ... View to the other direction.

The Kerf. There is no water. View to the other direction.               

 I have taken some photos, when I walked back to my bike.

view  some photos, when I walked back to my bike.  some photos, when I walked back to my bike..  the path towards Schoorl aan Zee.                 
On two photos, you can see the forest in the distance. The last picture is the path towards Schoorl aan Zee.               


Here are some photos of the same area on a beautiful day August 23, 2009.
The heather was in bloom. It has been a long dry summer. 

Dunes with flowering heather. Dunes with flowering heather. Dunes with flowering heather. Dunes with flowering heather.               

One place I stopped and I have taken some photos around me. It is nice to see how different the dunes are. 

. .                
. .                


Noordhollands Duinreservaat. 

This area belongs to the Noordhollands Duinreservaat. (North Holland  Dune Reserve). This is between the Noordzeekanaal  and Schoorl. (approximately 5300 ha) and is in command of the province of Noord-Holland managed by the  PWN (Provinciaal Waterleidingbedrijf Noord-Holland). (The Provincial Water company North Holland ).
You have to pay for entry into the dunes. There are ticket machines located at the entrance now. In the VVV shops, you can also buy annual subscriptions. 

Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.

Sunday 6-9-09 I have cycled to Schoorl to watch the damage of the fire.
I have taken some photos of the outside of the burnt area. A part of the area  was still cordoned off.  I haven't been there of course..
The nature on the photos will recover quickly I think (hope).
Next year, I'll take pictures, to see how fast it recovers.

Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.  On this photo I was on the way to burned area. In the distance you can see it.             
Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.... Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.                
Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.... Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.                
Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.  Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.  Forest fire - dune fire near Schoorl.                


Bergen aan Zee - Parnassia Park  
(Photos June 2009)

In Bergen aan Zee (Bergen to the Sea) is situated the park Parnassiapark. Formerly we often walked through the park after a visit to the beach with the kids. Away from the crowds on the beach.
Today there is a small education building, where changing exhibitions are held over nature. Open: Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00. Volunteers from the group Parnassia put the job done.
The park contains a pond, a botanical garden with wild plants, a playground and a field including sheep and goats.
It is not big, but you can easily walk from the park into the dunes. Or of course, to the beach.

The road from Bergen to Bergen aan zee.... The road from Bergen to Bergen aan zee.,, The road to Bergen aan zee.                  
The road from Bergen to Bergen aan zee (Bergen to sea) runs through the dunes. There are also hiking trails and bike paths, which go into the dunes. Cars are also parked near Bergen aan Zee. Sometimes for a dune walk, but also because in Bergen aan Zee is no place to be found.               
The education building in the Parnassiapark... The education building in the Parnassiapark               
The education building in the Parnassiapark.                
Parnassiapark. Wild flowers.... Parnassiapark: Paddenpoel               
Parnassiapark. Wild flowers. Paddenpoel (Pond)               
Parnassiapark.   Parnassiapark.   Parnassiapark. . Parnassiapark. . Parnassiapark. . Parnassiapark. . Parnassiapark. . Parnassia-park-9-14-6-09.jpg (198385 bytes)                
More photos of the Parnassiapark.                 


Walk from the road to Bergen aan Zee.
(13-9-2009)


On the right is a parking lot. From the parking you can have walk through the dunes. (see photos right on top of this page.) We have crossed the road to Bergen now and walked towards Egmond. ( old photo) The walk you see pictured on the board . It was raining slightly.

...                
We have taken the red route. There are also many grazers in the dunes.               
statue of Victor Westhoff.... statue of Victor Westhoff. . statue of Victor Westhoff.                
If you already have walked a bit, you suddenly see this beautiful statue of Victor Westhoff.
Prof. Dr. Victor Westhoff (November 12, 1916 to March 12, 2001) is a biologist. He was involved in vegetation science and nature.                
horses in the dunes....  horses in the dunes.. horses in the dunes.  We saw two horses in the wild. On the right picture you see a few hazy spots. This is because the rain drops on the lens.            
dunes dunes dunes. dunes   A few photos of the dunes in the not too nice weather.  I can recommend the walk. Even if it rains.               


Dunes in Winter.

Photo's 10-1-2010. I have walked through the village  Bergen to the dunes. This time to the "Drie Banken". (the Three Banks)

First I walked along the  ruļnekerk (Ruin church)  of Bergen and a statue of Roland Holst.
The church is build in the 15th century. 
Because it was feared that the Spaniards, who had besieged Alkmaar, could come back, the church was burned in 1574. (during the Eighty Years War ) Only a part is restored.  Fortunately, the ruins are still there.

the  ruļnekerk (Ruin church) of Bergen and a statue of Roland Holst.   Roland Holst 1988 - 1976. This famous poet lived in Bergen. He was nicknamed "Prince of Dutch poets".            
museum "Kranenburgh"... museum "Kranenburgh"
On the outside of the village you can find the museum "Kranenburgh"

In 1851  G.C.J. Reenen bought the area Bergen . His son Jacob van Reenen in 1882 built the house "Craen Berch" . Later the house was used as a mayoral residence and called "House Kranenburgh". The artists Luceber and Ans Wortel and have  lived in Kranenbugh.
In the garden behind and in the front of the house are statues made by eg Jan Toorop and Lucebert.
               
I walked direction the village Bergen aan Zee.  Then I turn right and go into the woods. Now I walk towards the village Schoorl.  stairs to the three banks I walked direction the village Bergen aan Zee. Then I turn right and go into the woods. Now I walk towards the village Schoorl.
After the stairs in the picture you can turn right to the ski slope. I turned left to the Drie Banken ( "Three Banks").               
de "Drie Banken" (Three Banks) or the Russengat (Russian hole)... de "Drie Banken" (Three Banks) or the Russengat (Russian hole)               
Here you have a beautiful view of the "Three Banks" The area is so named, because  three banks have been placed at a high top.
Actually this area is called the Russengat (Russian hole). This is a less  funny story. On September 19, 1799, the Russians and French were fighting on this place. The battlefield was part of the "Battle of Bergen" (English and Russian against the French).  In Bergen is the
Russian Monument as a memory.
When there is snow, you see parents and children from Bergen on the sled. When our children were young, we've often been  here. The paths were were very slicky, for they were used for sledding.
               
de "Drie Banken" (Three Banks) or the Russengat (Russian hole)  de "Drie Banken" (Three Banks) or the Russengat (Russian hole)  de "Drie Banken" (Three Banks) or the Russengat (Russian hole). de "Drie Banken" (Three Banks) or the Russengat (Russian hole) A few more photos of this beautiful area.               
the dunes in winter... the dunes in winter               
the dunes in winter   the dunes in winter  the dunes in winter  the dunes in winterthe dunes in winter. the dunes in winter  
Here I am on the other side of the Drie Banken (Three Banks). I have taken photos of the dunes and then I have walked back home.                              

 

Already the third fire.

In April 2010 there was already the third dune fire. It is very probable that there is an arsonist. This time it was a part of the dunes where I often bike. (Between Bergen and Schoorl)

 small dune lake... Old trees remain... click beetle Ampedus.               
There are also small dune lakes. Old trees remain. The insects are happy with the trees. 

There were some click beetles that day. This is an Ampedus. Information on the page  "beetles"            

   

burned heath... burned trees               

This area with heath was completely burned. The fire had come to the bike path. 

Here is a picture of better times: heath.              
  

burned trees   burned trees   burned heath               
uitzicht duinen If you continue to ride you can enjoy again the beautiful vistas without burnt trees.               


Winter 2010. Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010

Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010. ruin, church  Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010  Saturday I walked through the snow to Bergen aan Zee  (Bergen to the Sea). The weather was pretty gloomy. I was afraid it was not possible to take good photographs.
The first picture is of the ruins of Bergen. There's always Saturday market. It was now very quiet.
Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010, meadow... Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010, meadow..Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010, road to the meadow                
First walked to the Wiertdijkje (Name of a street). There you have a nice view over the meadow and it is only two hundred meters.               
Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010, Statue of Herman Gorter               
A bronze statue of Herman Gorter in the snow.
Made by Hans Bayens. It stands along the Zeeweg (Seaway). Herman Gorter (1864 - 1927) was Dutch poet and he joined the Social Democratic Labour Party (Sociaal-Democratische Arbeiderspartij or SDAP) in 1897. Known for the super long epic poem "May" (1889).               
Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010,  Zeeweg  Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010,  Zeeweg  Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010,  Zeeweg. Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010,  Zeeweg  After visiting statue I have walked through the dunes. I have no beautiful pictures. The other photos are made when I walked again along the Zeeweg (Seaway)             
Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010,  Zeeweg... Walk to the dunes. 18-12-2010,  Zeeweg               
On this picture you see how foggy it was. Beautiful. But I thought it was time to return.  Left of the road I saw in the distance the Highland cattle in the dunes in search of food.               

 

Winter 2010. Walk to the dunes. 20-12-2010

 

The ruin 20-12-2010 Two days later there was a lot more sun. I decided to walk again in the same direction.                  
The forest was very fairy.  20-12-2010 ... The meadow 20-12-2010 . The road to the meadow 20-12-2010   The forest was very fairy. The pictures of the meadow look very different now             
The meadow 20-12-2010 ... The meadow 20-12-2010               
Along the Zeeweg (Seaway) 20-12-2010     Aphotograph of the same curve. Now without the fog.            
Along the Zeeweg (Seaway) 20-12-2010  Along the Zeeweg (Seaway) 20-12-2010 Pictures I made when I walked along the Zeeweg (Seaway). I saw the Highland cattle, but they were too far away.              
The dunes.  20-12-2010   The dunes.  20-12-2010   The dunes.  20-12-2010 . The dunes.  20-12-2010 I also walked through the dunes.               
The dunes.  20-12-2010 ... The dunes.  20-12-2010               
The dunes.  20-12-2010 ... The dunes.  20-12-2010               


At the Beach 30 January 2011.

A few pictures from the beach of  "Bergen aan Zee". In winter. But without snow.

One of the most photographed buildings from the beach.... Beach. A photo from the boulevard.              
One of the most photographed buildings from the beach. A photo from the boulevard.              
Beach. The substructure of a restaurant. Each year the restaurant is rebuilt in the spring.... Beach. A blue sea and blue sky.              
Beach. The substructure of a restaurant. Each year the restaurant is rebuilt in the spring. A blue sea and blue sky.              


1 November 2011

Two small dune lakes and surrounding.... Two small dune lakes and surrounding.              
Two small dune lakes and surrounding. Two small dune lakes and surrounding. Two small dune lakes and surrounding.  Two small dune lakes and surrounding.              
To the forest fire in April 2010.... To the forest fire in April 2010.              
The forest fire in April 2010.... De duinbrand van april 2010.... The forest fire in April 2010.            
Then I cycled to one of the places where had been a forest fire in April. There are some arsonists arrested. The fires are caused by different people.
The conifers have recovered well, but many birches not. The heath plain disappeared. There isn't much young heather. It disappoints me. The water truck, which is placed after the fire, still stands.              

  

There are a few areas in the dunes with only sand. For this reason, they have cut down trees. (Explanation on the board in Dutch)... There are a few areas in the dunes with only sand. For this reason, they have cut down trees. (Explanation on the board in Dutch)              
There are a few areas in the dunes with only sand. For this reason, they have cut down trees.  There are a few areas in the dunes with only sand. For this reason, they have cut down trees.  The last picture is of a swampy part of the dunes. There are a few areas in the dunes with only sand. For this reason, they have cut down trees. (Explanation on the board in Dutch)
The last picture is of a swampy part of the dunes.              


Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach. Photos: 9-12-2011.

Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach. .. Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach. .. Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach.               
Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach. ,, Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach. ,, Bergen aan zee. Strong wind, beach.               
When the wind blows, the beach is always worth to visit. Dark clouds and blue sky alternated quickly. 
If you enlarge the picture below, you can see a glider. In the picture next to it you can see it better. Two gliders flew more along the dunes back and forth.               

 

On 04-02-2012 I walked to the "Three Banks" (I've described on this page already). This time I took a different route. I walked from Bergen on the Breelaan direction Schoorl. With a small meadow on the left.
Near the Three Banks is the dry ski slope "Il Primo". The skimat lies on the sand. (1969) But now there was snow. The area is near the Three Banks. 

Meadow along the Breelaan.. The dry ski slope "Il Primo".. The dry ski slope "Il Primo".               
The Three Banks. Winter .. The Three Banks. Winter ..  The Three Banks. Winter .              
Photo 1: Meadow along the Breelaan.  Photo 2, 3: The dry ski slope "Il Primo". Photo 4, 5: The Three Banks. Winter . Photo 6: The same meadow. Now with a cow.                

 

Dune lake, forest cockroach.

Dune lake.... Forest Cockroach (Ectobius sylvestris). Female.. Forest Cockroach (Ectobius sylvestris). Male. Forest Cockroach.             
One of the many dune lakes. Photo 19-8-2013. The photos of insects in the dunes are mostly photographed in this area.
Not all insects I photograph in the dunes I place on the site. The insect on the other picture is a Forest Cockroach (Ectobius sylvestris). A female. The wings of the males are much longer. Length 9-11 mm. You can find them from May to October. They overwinter as eggs the first year, the second year as a nymph. Then they mature. Only the male can fly. They feed on plant material. You will not find them in the house. These native cockroaches are not the tropical cockroaches in the houses. Photo 11-9-2013. On 3-7-2014 I saw a male.              


Animals in the dunes.

Moorland sheep in the dunes.... Moorland sheep in the dunes.              
Moorland sheep in the dunes.
Nowadays there are moorland sheep in the dunes. They eat the grass, causing the heath is not overgrown. They don't walk freely through the dunes.
Some people think, that the sheep manure enriches the soil, allowing more grass. I have noticed that this is also true for the other grazers. On the one hand they keep the dunes open on the other hand, the soil is enriched. Photos 3-5-2013, 1-10-2013.              
Exmoor pony's.... Exmoor pony's.              
Exmoor pony's.
These ponies live in Britain in semi-wild herds in Exmoor National Park. Also in the dunes they feel at home. The brown pony is recognizable by pale belly and the pale part to the nostrils. I always stop and look, when I meet them somewhere in the dunes. Photos 20-3-2014.              
Highland cattle. ... Highland cattle.               
Highland cattle. 
Same spot in the dunes where I photographed the ponies. Like the ponies I meet them in many different places on the dunes. This is in contrast to the moor sheep.
People are advised to be a little careful. Photos 15-5-2014.              

March 18, 2024: I haven't added anything to the Dunes page in years. Time flies. In recent years I have taken photos of the dune area north of my home village of Bergen. I'll add them to this page.

Schoorl

Schoorl  To Schoorl. From Bergen I drive along the dunes to Schoorl. Horses are kept here. There is a high dune near Schoorl. Called Het Klimduin (climbing dune). As a child we went there on a school trip. Later we came there regularly with our own children. It is known in the wider area. photos 4-4-2020                  
Schoorl.. Schoorl                         

Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen

The dune area ends even further north beyond Schoorl and the existing protection was improved in 1880 by constructing the Hondsbossche Zeewering dike (5.5 km long to Petten). Since 2013, enormous amounts of sand have been sprayed in front of the dike, creating an artificial dune area De Hondsbossche dunes as extra protection. 

Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen.. Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen                      
Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen.. Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen     

Camperduin, Schoorl. The beginning of the De Hondsbossche Zeewering and the man-made beach with a constructed lagoon. Photos 8-3-2024                

 

Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen                       
Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen.. Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen                         
Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen.. Hondsbossche Zeewering, Hondsbossche duinen     

We stopped halfway between Camperduin and Petten and climbed over the De Hondsbossche Zeewering to the man-made dunes with a wooden lookout hut. Photos 13-9-2020               

Petten

Petten       Petten. Here the dunes start again.  Photos 13-9-2020                  
Petten.. Petten                          

Zwanenwater a duneaerea near Callantsoog

Zwanenwater een duingebied bij Callantsoog    Beyond Petten lies the Zwanenwater, a dune area near Callantsoog with the two largest natural dune lakes in Western Europe. Photos 20-3-2021                 
Zwanenwater een duingebied bij Callantsoog..  Zwanenwater een duingebied bij Callantsoog                        

 

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